Vegans, teetotallers and atheists are given the same protection against discrimination as religious groups, while gipsies and travellers will get special favours.[>

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The Act also prevents firms from hiding the pay differences between men and women.[>

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Home Secretary Theresa May, who is now Equality Minister, gave the green light to 90% of her predecessor’s Act.[>

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David Frost, the director-general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “At a time when the Government is trying to create jobs, this legislation will put people off for fear of getting it wrong.”[>

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However Mrs May said: “Being a woman should never be a barrier to being treated fairly at work.”[>